Firedrake - By Bianca D'Arc Page 0,31

ruled all of the many Jinn clans. They were the ones responsible for calling most of the wandering Jinn clans together here in Draconia. “I was lucky enough to have gained their notice when I was still just a boy, away from home for the first time with no knowledge of the wider world. Without their guidance, who knows where I’d be today?”

“I imagine you always land on your feet, Drake.” She smiled at the thought of him as a youth.

He bowed his head in acknowledgement of her small praise. “It is a skill I’ve learned through much trial and painful error.”

“Speaking of learning—” she glanced out the window again, “—I must go see to my students.” She stood from the table and reached for the small purse at her belt, but Drake stayed her hand. His gentle touch jolted her, the warmth of his fingers causing little tingles on her skin.

“Allow me.” He produced a silver coin from his own pocket, tossing it onto the table. It was much more than the simple fare was worth, but she knew he was probably leaving the extra for young Mary Pritchard or trying to impress Krysta with his largess. Probably a little of both. Krysta smiled and thanked him as gracefully as she could manage.

Drake towered over her as they left the inn, reminding her of her femininity in a very basic way. Her limbs almost shook with the tingling heat of awareness. He was a tall man, but not brawny. No, he had the sleek muscles of the jungle cat, primed and ready to strike, though his loping stride was deceptively lazy.

“I’ll walk you to the garrison, if you don’t mind the company. I’m going that way and find I’m reluctant to see our time together end.”

Oh, he was charming.

“I don’t mind. But Drake…” her conscience rose to remind her of Mace, “…I have to tell you, I’m committed to Mace. I don’t want to lead you on or give you false hope.”

“Committed, huh?” He seemed to ponder her meaning. “Has he offered you marriage?”

“No.” She shifted uncomfortably as they walked. “But I’ve committed to learning where the mutual attraction leads. I’m not in the market for a husband—or two.”

“I’m glad you’re aware what mating with a knight entails.” She did, but only vaguely. Still, she wouldn’t get into that discussion with Drake. Mace would tell her all about it, if they ever got to that point. “I’ll be brutally honest with you, Krysta.” He stopped walking, tugging on her wrist to make her face him. “I don’t think I can stay away. You’re unlike any woman I’ve ever known before and I want whatever time you’ll give me.”

“I won’t stop seeing Mace.”

“I didn’t ask you to. But surely you can spare a few minutes to share a meal with me now and again? I won’t deny your right to choose the man you want, but I’ll do everything in my power to convince you that I’m the right man.”

He squeezed her hands, drawing her closer. She knew he was going to kiss her, and try as she might, she couldn’t work up enough outrage to push him away.

His lips were gentle at first, coaxing a response. Desire flooded her as his tongue swept inward, invading, conquering, but in the most delightful way. He pulled her into his arms and she felt at home there. Dangerously so.

They were on a public thoroughfare, but she was oblivious to the movement around them, the rest of the city just starting to stir from their homes and begin the day. Drake plundered her mouth, stirring her to passion even as his hands swept down to cup her backside. She longed to know what they’d feel like on her skin.

The thought roused her enough to push away. He let her go, drawing from her lips at the last possible moment. His blue gaze questioned, but she had no answers.

“I have to go, Drake.” She patted his broad, muscular chest with open palms, then pushed back. “Thank you for breakfast.”

She turned and ran off before he could say another word, the hounds of guilt and confusion snapping at her heels.

The garrison was built around a central courtyard that served as assembly area and training ground, among other uses. Drake arrived just as the new recruits were being put through their hand-to-hand training by none other than the talented Jinn warrioress, Krysta. He couldn’t stay away. After that hot kiss, he knew there was something between